In what once appeared to be a promising career soon turned into a major disappointment as opening batsman Sharjeel Khan received a five-year ban from all forms of cricket by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) owing to his role in spot-fixing during the second edition of the country's T20 league earlier this year.

The left-handed batsman was found guilty on five counts of PCB's Anti-Corruption Code, including his role in spot-fixing, and has been placed under ban for five years, half of which has been suspended. In turn, the Pakistani opener can play cricket after 30 months, only after complying with certain pre-requisites as set by the PCB.

Sharjeel's ban will take effect from when he was first suspended, on February 10, 2017. The 28-year-old batsman represented Islamabad United in the PSL and was immediately sent home from the UAE after being found guilty of spot-fixing. He was then suspended along with team-mate Khalid Latif.

© Reuters

"Sharjeel is banned for five years, which has two-and-a-half year suspended, after the proceedings of the case," said Asghat Haider, who headed the three-member tribunal which also included former PCB Chairman Lt Gen (R) Tauqir Zia and ex-Test cricketer Wasim Bari. The panel was set-up to look into allegations of spot-fixing during the 2017 edition of the PSL.

The 28-year-old batsman is said to have accepted allegations that he played out two dot balls on purpose during the said encounter. The batsman could have been handed a longer ban but escaped with minimal sentences for each of the five charges laid against him.

Sharjeel and Latif were placed under immediate suspension by the PCB in the aftermath of the scandal. Shahzaib Hasan and Nasir Jamshed are also facing similar charges while the fifth, former fast bowler, Mohammad Irfan, was banned for a period of six months for his failure in reporting the offer to the PCB. He received a six-month ban with a six-month suspension alongside a one-million rupees fine.

Sharjeel Khan was such an awsome power hitter but he ruined his career for some pennies. These guys learn nothing.

— Hum Sab Ka Pakistan (@HSKPakistan) August 30, 2017

Sharjeel Khan Banned For 5 Years. Normal Cricketers Play To Enjoy Cricket. Legendary Pakistani Cricketers Play For Spot Fixing. ð

— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) August 30, 2017

Sharjeel Khan banned for 5 years, accepted match fixing allegations. Young cricketers making Pakistan proud once again.

— Anas Tipu (@teepusahab) August 30, 2017

Sharjeel Khan have lost his career because of his greedy nature. A wake up call for all Young players. Stay away from Fixing.#SharjeelKhan

— Amir Sohail (@amirsohailLive) August 30, 2017

Sharjeel Khan banned for 5 years, such a powerful hitter but distroyed his future like Muhammad Asif & Butt. These guys are not learning!!

— رÙشاء خا٠(@RamshaKhan01) August 30, 2017

Pak Cricketer Sharjeel Khan Banned For 5 Yrs,Suspended For 2.5 Yrs For Spot Fixing

Jeet To Sakte Nhi BC Inko Haarne  Ke Paise Kon Deta Haið¤ pic.twitter.com/LxYx6jhhBe

— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) August 30, 2017

"Sharjeel Khan" has been banned because IPL doesn't allow piss poor Pakis to play in India. What will a momeen do then ?

— Evil Yindoo (@EvilYindoo) August 30, 2017